Emerging Technology: A Videoconference from Skyline College to Guanajuato Mexico

It is so exciting to share the following. It looks like my Videoconferencing connection has moved up from a home based Broadband to my wonderful Skyline Campus T1 line. http://www.skylinecollege.edu/ While we technology embracing educators see the value of such a project Doña Lola still does not grasp the idea of a live conversation with her son Javier Camacho. Javier was 19 when he worked his way into the U.S. it has been over 15 years since they have spoken face to face.

I look forward to pulling Lola away from her little hut with a tin roof and onto a dust raising bus ride through the Xichu desert valley. After a 1.5 hour drive we will get on a second bus connection from San Luis De La az headed on modern paved roads to the capital City of Guanajuato. Upon arrival I have to explain to Lola that we are looking for the home of a "Grand T1 line connection. :)

I was initially going to borrow a collegue's Adobe "Breeze" account but when she shared the details of my project with Adobe representatives they offered to provide me with my own free account. I am hoping to hear from these reps soon.

Xichu Demographics: The poorest municipalities are where the majority of the indigenous communities are located. To give one example, there are 11,323 people living in Xichu'. Of these, 25.73% are illiterate; 59% of the population over the age of 15 has not completed elementary school, and 65.75% of houses do not have plumbing.

About San Luis De La Paz: http://www.donquijote.org/guanajuato/itineraries3.asp

Almariposa

First Xichu Mexico Resident Video Conference

I decided it is not enough to take home the memory of my next visit with Doña Lola. It has been well over 15 years since she last saw the faces of her Bay Area resident children. She clings to their voices in bi-weekly phone calls at Xichu's Phone Central. Several Xichu parents and grandparents gather at this Central location
to wait on a possible call from their children in the U.S. Over a microphone the attending operators call out the names of those whose calls have finally arrived. Some wait a few minutes while others sit in the waiting room for hours and until closing.

I will be taking my Mac Power Book and have chosen "Adobe Breeze" to set up Doña Lola's first video conference with her children. My Bay Area neighbor has agreed to team up with me by hosting the Video conference at her home
where 4 of Doña Lola's seven adult children will gather for this first time
experience.

I have not figured out all the details, I know I will take Doña Lola to a 5 star
hotel to assure a high speed connection.

Almariposa